An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism · Martin Luther
OF CONFESSION.
_What is Confession?_ _Ans._ Confession consists of two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution or forgiveness through the pastor as of God himself, in no wise doubting, but firmly believing that our sins are thus forgiven before God in heaven. _What sins ought we to confess?_ _Ans._ In the presence of God we should acknowledge ourselves guilty of all manner of sins, even of those which we do not ourselves perceive; as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But in the presence of the pastor we should confess those sins alone of which we have knowledge, and which we feel in our hearts. _Which are these?_ _Ans._ Here reflect on your condition, according to the Ten Commandments, namely: Whether you are a father or mother, a son or daughter, a master or mistress, a manservant or maidservant--whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful--whether you have injured any one by words or actions-whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or done other evil.
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